To make room on the 40-man roster for German, the Rangers designated right-hander John Bannister for assignment.

The 31 year-old German, available for Wednesday night's game against the Oakland Athletics, is awaiting his first major league action since Sept. 28, 2008, while with Kansas City. Released by the Royals on March 8, German signed with the Chicago Cubs only to be released again April 3.

He signed a minor league contract with Texas on April 9 and will be in his second tour with the Rangers, as he appeared in five games with the club in 2005.